In Victoria, you have to stay in school until you’re 17. After that it’s up to you if you want to continue studying or training.
People have different reasons for leaving school early. Sometimes it’s your choice. Other times it’s because of a situation that’s out of your control:
- Maybe you don’t like school or feel that it’s not worthwhile.
- Some of your friends could be leaving school early.
- You might want to start an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- You might want to start full-time work and earn your own money.
- Maybe you have to care for a family member or friend.
Talk to someone about it
Leaving school early is a big decision. It’s a good idea to talk to someone before you make up your mind, such as:
- a school counsellor
- a teacher you trust
- a youth worker
- a family member or friend
- staff at your nearest Headspace centre or on the Headspace app.
What you need to think about
There are a few things you should consider before you make the move, like:
- Have you considered completing year 12 out of school in a TAFE?
- Do you have a plan for what you want to do next?
- Will you still have a chance at getting the job you want?
- Can you start your apprenticeship or traineeship while at school as a school-based apprentice or trainee?
- Will you have enough money to support yourself?
For more about what to think about, visit finishing and leaving school.
Getting help after leaving school
Sometimes the change from secondary school to another education, training or work pathway can be challenging.
After you have left school early, you can still get help.
For example:
- Most Skills and Jobs Centres provide a Career Advice Service specifically for early school leavers. This service includes regular check-ins to help you reach your education, training or work goals. You can read more or reach out directly for support through the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative.
- In some areas, there is extra help available if you are First Nations, or have a disability, are neurodivergent or facing mental health challenges. You can get help that is tailored to you, such as regular 1:1 check-ins, mentoring or group activities to support you to reach your goals. You can read more or reach out directly for support through the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative.
- Your nearest Headspace centre or on the Headspace app.
Finding a job
If you’ve left school and are looking for work, the first place you should visit is our jobs section. It has information about what jobs are out there and how to get them, including:
- how to find and apply for a job
- information about apprenticeships and traineeships
- tips on how to deal with job interviews
- work experience, apprenticeships and internships.
If you want to text, phone or talk to someone in person about your job options, reach out to your closest Skills and Jobs Centre. They offer qualified, independent advice and support on training, career planning and finding a job in your local area.
Most Skills and Jobs Centres have a person dedicated to helping early school leavers. You can read more about this and reach out directly for support through the Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative.
Support while you're looking for a job
While you're looking for work, there are government allowances and programs that can help out. To find out more, visit:
- Youth Allowance, Austudy and other allowances
- Centrelink's payments, services and support when you're studying.
Returning to study
School leavers and mature age students can return to study or training at any time.
If you're thinking about going back to study, whether you want to study at high school, university or TAFE, visit learning as a mature age student for information on how to go about it.